Top Stories
By Yvonne Hilda Chitambira
Shurugwi Town Council has intensified its fight against drug and substance abuse among young people through sport by hosting the Chairman's Soccer Tournament, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles while providing a platform for talented footballers to showcase their abilities.
The two-day tournament, held on 30 and 31 July 2026, brought together teams from across Shurugwi and surrounding communities, with organisers viewing football as an effective tool for steering young people away from harmful behaviours and towards positive opportunities.
Speaking in an interview with MSU Radio, Shurugwi Town Council Administrator and Human Capital Manager Brian Matare said the tournament was established to address the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse while nurturing the next generation of football stars.
"The major objective of this tournament is to fight drug and substance abuse, which is affecting many of our young people today. Through sport, we want to provide them with a positive platform where they can develop their talents and make meaningful choices," said Matare.
He said sport has the power to unite communities, instil discipline and give young people a sense of purpose, making it an important partner in efforts to address social challenges affecting the country's youth.
Matare added that beyond promoting healthy lifestyles, the tournament seeks to uncover talented players who may not have had opportunities to compete on bigger stages.
"We also hope this competition will expose talented players who might otherwise go unnoticed. It provides them with an opportunity to be identified by top football clubs from within the region and across the country."
He encouraged residents, football enthusiasts and community stakeholders to attend the tournament, saying their support would motivate participating teams while increasing the chances of gifted players being spotted by scouts and club representatives.
"We have invited residents, community stakeholders and people from neighbouring towns to come and support the tournament. Their presence will not only encourage the players but also help identify promising young talent that deserves to progress to higher levels of the game."
The tournament forms part of Shurugwi Town Council's broader community development initiatives, which seek to empower young people through recreation, skills development and positive social engagement.
Drug and substance abuse continues to be a major concern in many communities across Zimbabwe, with Government, local authorities, schools and civic organisations increasingly turning to sport, arts and other youth-focused programmes as preventive interventions.
By creating safe recreational spaces and opportunities for personal growth, local authorities hope to reduce risky behaviours while opening pathways for talented young people to pursue professional sporting careers.
The Chairman's Soccer Tournament is expected to attract large crowds, bringing together players, supporters and community leaders in a shared effort to promote healthy living, strengthen community participation and celebrate emerging football talent.
The two-day tournament, held on 30 and 31 July 2026, brought together teams from across Shurugwi and surrounding communities, with organisers viewing football as an effective tool for steering young people away from harmful behaviours and towards positive opportunities.
Speaking in an interview with MSU Radio, Shurugwi Town Council Administrator and Human Capital Manager Brian Matare said the tournament was established to address the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse while nurturing the next generation of football stars.
"The major objective of this tournament is to fight drug and substance abuse, which is affecting many of our young people today. Through sport, we want to provide them with a positive platform where they can develop their talents and make meaningful choices," said Matare.
He said sport has the power to unite communities, instil discipline and give young people a sense of purpose, making it an important partner in efforts to address social challenges affecting the country's youth.
Matare added that beyond promoting healthy lifestyles, the tournament seeks to uncover talented players who may not have had opportunities to compete on bigger stages.
"We also hope this competition will expose talented players who might otherwise go unnoticed. It provides them with an opportunity to be identified by top football clubs from within the region and across the country."
He encouraged residents, football enthusiasts and community stakeholders to attend the tournament, saying their support would motivate participating teams while increasing the chances of gifted players being spotted by scouts and club representatives.
"We have invited residents, community stakeholders and people from neighbouring towns to come and support the tournament. Their presence will not only encourage the players but also help identify promising young talent that deserves to progress to higher levels of the game."
The tournament forms part of Shurugwi Town Council's broader community development initiatives, which seek to empower young people through recreation, skills development and positive social engagement.
Drug and substance abuse continues to be a major concern in many communities across Zimbabwe, with Government, local authorities, schools and civic organisations increasingly turning to sport, arts and other youth-focused programmes as preventive interventions.
By creating safe recreational spaces and opportunities for personal growth, local authorities hope to reduce risky behaviours while opening pathways for talented young people to pursue professional sporting careers.
The Chairman's Soccer Tournament is expected to attract large crowds, bringing together players, supporters and community leaders in a shared effort to promote healthy living, strengthen community participation and celebrate emerging football talent.
Published
August 3, 2026 at 8:30 AM
